As cultured as a Simon Elliot square pass

Game 20 Preview: FC Dallas @ the Crew

August 16, 2008

Finally, a game. It has been two weeks since the last Crew game and almost a month for the last home game. The Crew have slipped in to third place and face a hot Dallas team and an even hotter Kenny Cooper. The Crew will need to get back on a winning track to keep pace with New England and Chicago.

Crew on Offense: The Crew did get a chance to augment the offense over the off week. Pat Noonan is ready to play a role in the offense. He will probably line up on the left side opposite Eddie Gaven. Schelotto should have some room to work in the midfield and will need to connect with Moreno and the wingers to take advantage of a young, but solid defense. It will be interesting who steps in to play in the central midfield. Evans can get forward, but I would prefer to see Miglioranzi play the two way role just above Carroll.

Crew on Defense: The defense will be facing an improving Dallas offense. Cooper has been on a tear and the team recently added veteran Jeff Cunningham and midfielder Victor Sikora. The Crew, however will be bolstered by the return of left back, Gino Padula. This will finally allow Coach Schmid to set the defense. With Hejduk and Padula out wide, Chad Marshall will be paired with either Danny O’Rourke or rookie Andy Iro. I expect to see O’Rourke starting to allow for more mobility on the back line.

Final Thoughts: The Dallas offense is fearsome, but has several new players to integrate. The Crew will need to withstand the initial pressure to avoid being in a hole early. The Crew will have enough firepower to pickup a couple goals. Rogers may even be able to make a late cameo. I think that the team will start slow and pick up midway through the first half. If the Crew can avoid the early goal, then they probably can pull through with a win.